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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the centre of Scotland's heritage-rich city centre sits a imposing sight of construction framework.

For half a decade, the establishment on the corner of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a covered eyesore.

Visitors are unable to reserve stays, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and establishments have vacated the building.

Repair work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could persist until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the initial parts of the frame can be dismantled.

The city's political leader Jane Meagher has labeled it a "negative feature" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "very troublesome".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the former regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it first opened under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the cost of construction at about £30m.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

Part of the road and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the corner of the tourist drag have been left out of action by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the an adjacent district and a neighboring street have been compelled single-file into a confined, sheltered corridor.

Seafood restaurant Ondine quit the building and relocated to a different location in 2024.

In a statement, its owners said the ongoing project had obliged them to alter the restaurant's look, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also the location of dining franchise a chain – which has hung large banners on the structure to inform customers it is still open.

Slipped Schedules

An report to the council's transport and environment committee in January this year indicated that the process of "exposing" the exterior would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that is incorrect, referencing "exceptionally intricate" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove portions of the framework towards the end of the coming year, with additional work ongoing after that," a statement read.

"Efforts are underway closely with all parties to ensure we create an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

A heritage director, director of preservation association the a local association, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "obligation to the public" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It is making the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"I don't understand why there is not an effort to incorporate it within the urban landscape or produce something more aesthetic and avant-garde."

Continued Work

A official statement said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was continuing.

They stated: "We recognize the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and enterprises.

"This has been a long and drawn-out process, reflecting the intricacy and size of the repair work required, however we are dedicated to concluding this vital work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the city would "continue to put pressure" on those involved to complete the project.

She said: "This structure has been a problem for years, and I share the exasperation of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the company has a obligation to make the building secure and that this repair has turned out to be hugely complex."